IATA chief warns of worst jet fuel crisis in peak summer
The crisis would affect Europe, followed by Africa and Latin America, with some flight cancellations likely if fuel is rationed
ATT Desk Report 
The jet fuel crisis triggered by US-Israel war on Iran could hit Asia first, as a shortage during the peak summer period in the northern hemisphere becomes an increasing concern, the head of the International Air Transport Association said on Tuesday.
The crisis would then affect Europe, followed by Africa and Latin America, Willie Walsh said, with some flight cancellations likely if fuel is rationed, reports Reuters.
“I think we will see airlines starting to reduce some of their schedules as we approach the peak summer period in anticipation of fuel shortages,” he said.
However, Walsh said he expected travel to continue, unlike during the height of the COVID pandemic when air travel effectively ground to a halt.
“I think that people will continue to fly through the summer period and that they will expect to have a holiday, as in previous years,” he said, adding that demand has remained strong worldwide.
Walsh said supplies of Jet A fuel, which has a higher freezing point, could help ease supply challenges in Europe.
“We could see supplies of Jet A fuel being used in Europe, provided regulators move quickly enough and are satisfied that the fuel specifications are suitable for use.”
